ABSTRACT
Some recent concepts of landscape ecology (structure and function of landscape treated on systemic form) are discussed considering the fragmentation of natural space by the modern society. The increase of effectiveness of Conservation Units (CU's) is based upon ecological-space principles in which closer, bigger and more circular shaped areas are more adequate. The increase of connectivity between CU's is considered fundamental and it is proposed by the linkage corridors, based on legal restrictions; besides the decrease of external interferences, by the buffer and restricted zones. In a preliminary way, the CU's into tropical forests ecosystems must have an area higher than 100 ha; a buffer zone having, at least, a 100 m width around it; a restricted use zone having 10 Km radius; as well as linkage corridors to others CU's wider than 200 m.
Key words:
Landscape ecology; conservation units; territorial planing